Don't rely on the government to create much-needed jobs

Mr. Michael Stafford implies in his Jan. 19 guest column that it is the government's responsibility to make right the iniquities in our economy that are making the gap between the rich and the middle class grow. Our government is being rigged by the rich. The interests of both the rich and middle classes aren't aligned, which is necessary for all to prosper.

What he fails to bring up is that the U.S. economy failed to take advantage of its opportunity after World War II when foreign economies were in shambles. Instead of reinvesting in new equipment and technology, we maximized profits to meet the pent-up demand without regard to labor costs.

Then competition from the re-emerging countries jumped in with lower costs products with equal or better quality. We were at a disadvantage of our own making. The manufacturing jobs in textiles, steel and others went overseas. As consumers, we opted to take advantage of these bargains and hasten our own demise. Automotive, steel and other industries are trying to reinvent themselves. But the job opportunities for a moderately-educated workforce in these industries will never return. They demand a well-educated workforce with a bachelor degree and higher.

To recover, we cannot rely on job creation by our government. Government jobs do not manufacture goods that can be sold in a world marketplace. What we can do is demand a reform in education that will result in development of those who want to learn and prepare themselves for a high tech job future.

Donald A. Proctor Jr.

Lexington

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Don't rely on the government to create much-needed jobs

Mr. Michael Stafford implies in his Jan. 19 guest column that it is the government's responsibility to make right the iniquities in our economy that are making the gap between the rich and the middle